Water Infrastructure: The Bottom Line for Local Officials

"It is very, very difficult to run a first-class county or city on second-rate infrastructure." —Commissioner Melanie Worley, Douglass County, CO

Safe, clean drinking water at the turn of a tap. Wastewater removal with a flush. It can be so easy to take these actions, and the underground systems that make them possible, for granted. But those expectations, the strength of local economies, and public health, depend on dedicated support of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure systems—both today and tomorrow.

The Issue:

A large percentage of this infrastructure has or will reach the end of its useful life in the coming decades, requiring a commitment to rehabilitation and/or replacement. According to the 2005 Survey by the U.S. Conference of Mayors (35pp, 984K, About PDF) , aging infrastructure was the top water issue for Mayors across the country. New infrastructure built to accommodate community growth will also need to be renewed over time.

The Solution:Local elected officials and decision makers play a vital role in safeguarding these shared community assets and ensuring their operation over the long term.

These pages provide relevant information, resources, and materials, specifically designed to meet the unique needs of local officials committed to leaving a legacy of sustainable water infrastructure (SWI).

Explore the following links and make a difference in your community, today!

Five Things You Should KNOW—an introduction to sustainable infrastructure in your community and the nation, including basic facts, the role that local officials can play, and what it can mean for your community.

Five Things You Should DO—concrete actions local officials can take toward building greater water infrastructure sustainability in their own communities.

A printable PDF version of these lists is available for download and distribution. (1pp, 744K, About PDF)